The DOCS (Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation) tells us that around 30% of U.S. adults stay away from the dentist’s office for fear of the pain they expect to experience there.

Even knowing that a local anesthetic will be used and that their dentist or periodontist is highly experienced and using the most modern dental equipment and techniques, this “dentist-phobia” still persists. For many who reluctantly see their dentist but are anxious and unable to relax in the dental chair, dental surgeries and other involved procedures become slower and more difficult to perform.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is commonly used during dental procedures to help the patient relax physically and emotionally. Sedation does not normally put the recipient to sleep but simply calms him or her so that the dental surgeon can work more efficiently and the patient will not be alarmed.

Sedatives administered will make you feel sleepy but not make you sleep. You will likely not remember much of what happened during the surgery, although you were awake and conscious the whole time. Sedation is not consider an anesthetic, technically, but it does raise your “pain threshold.”

In the past, intravenous injections were the norm for sedation dentistry, but today, sedatives like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are usually administered via inhalation. When conducted by a trained professional using up to date machinery, oral sedation is extremely safe. In fact, it is the most common method used to calm dental patients’ fears in all of U.S. dentistry.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
If you are considering undergoing a major dental operation like receiving dental implants, a root canal surgery, periodontal surgery, bone grafting, or even a simple extraction, sedation dentistry may be the right option for you.

There are a number of important benefits to dental sedation, including these:

• Little to no pain experienced during the operation.
• Hours-long surgeries can feel as if they took only a few minutes.
• Some procedures can be done in a single visit instead of multiple visits when sedation is used.
• The availability of sedation encourages many to see their dentist sooner and catch dental or periodontal problems in the early stages.
• Sedation is quick and simple to administer, safe, and very affordable.

Types of Sedation to Choose From
There are many different variables in sedation dentistry. Not only is there the choice of oral or intravenous administration and of the type of sedative used, but one of the most important factors is the strength of the sedation.

Mild or “minimal” sedation is used to relieve mild anxiety for relatively short, uncomplicated procedures. Nitrous oxide is normally used in this case, typically orally by inhaling while wearing a nose hood. Sometimes, however, mild sedation can be accomplished through sedative pills. For some patients Intravenous sedation is much preferred due to a rapid onset which shortens the patient’s chair time waiting for the oral sedation to occur. Some patients can be oversedated by oral sedation as the amount required and patient tolerance vary greatly. Dr Kenzik is trained in all types of sedation and can assist you in choosing what is best in your case.

Moderate sedation involves depressing your degree of consciousness but not so much as to interfere with normal breathing. You will still be able to respond to and interact with the dentist and others. A sedative medication will normally be taken before the appointment, and a friend or family member should drive you there and back.

Deep sedation is not used in dentistry since moderate sedation sufficiently dulls any pain, and the effects of deep sedation are simply too strong to justify use in dental procedures.

Find an Experienced Sedation Dentist
The practice of sedation dentistry requires additional training, licensing, and equipment. Not all dentists can offer it. In Ormond Beach, FL, contact Dr. Kenzik to discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment.